Fickell, 37, played nose tackle at Ohio State from 1992-96 and joined the coaching staff in 2000. He has been the co-defensive coordinator with Jim Heacock since 2005.

Taking over the program as an interim coach when it is facing NCAA sanctions is hardly an ideal situation, but Fickell said he is undaunted by the circumstances.

"I would take the shot in any way I possibly can," he said. "That doesn't worry me one bit. It's a tough situation. But if they told you had one shot, if you know me, there's no retreat. I've had this dream and this plan. I'm excited."

Athletics director Gene Smith began the news conference by announcing that Fickell's two-year contract has been modified. Fickell will earn $775,000 for his duties this year.

Fickell said Tressel's resignation and his subsequent promotion -- took him by surprise.

"I didn't have any idea until that morning," he said. "I wasn't afforded that opportunity to sit and think about it."

He said he talked to Tressel that night.

"The only thing he could give was his support," Fickell said, adding that he was indebted to Tressel "for the opportunities he's given me, for the friendship and for making me a better coach, husband and father."

Asked whether he believed Tressel was right to resign, Fickell demurred.

"That's not something I want to get into," he said.

Fickell said he was unaware of the transgressions that cost Tressel his job and have put Ohio State in jeopardy of serious NCAA penalties

"I can honestly say I didn't have blinders on, but I was focused on the task at hand," he said.

With Terrelle Pryor's departure last week, running back Daniel Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and left tackle Mike Adams facing 5-game suspensions and several defensive starters lost to graduation, this figures to be a rebuilding season.

"We're going to focus on three areas: toughness, respect and being men of action," Fickell said. "That will lead us to the future."

Given Fickell's interim status and the uncertainty of sanctions, Ohio State has unfamiliar challenges with recruiting.

Fickell said he wasn't worried about that.

"What we're telling them is we're looking for a few good men," he said. "It's about being bigger than this situation or one coach."

Fickell is a graduate of DeSales High School. He said he remembers being coached as a 10-year-old by former Buckeye Outland Trophy award winner John Hicks, who took Fickell to his first Ohio State-Michigan game.

He described himself as honored and humbled to take over the OSU program.

"I'd like to thank (president) Gordon Gee and Mr. Smith for this opportunity to lead a program that I know, love and respect as much as anything in my life," Fickell said.

Former OSU linebacker Bobby Carpenter was among a number of ex-Buckeye players and current assistant coaches who attended the news conference. Fickell was his position coach his final two years as a Buckeye. He described him as a highly demanding coach.

"I improved dramatically under him," Carpenter said.

Carpenter said he believes Fickell has been ready to be a head coach for several years.

"I believe he's going to be successful," he said. "Hopefully, the entire Ohio State family believes that. He knows what it takes to be here and have success at Ohio State."